Random Loons Launch Campaign to Fire David Letterman

Talk show host David Letterman has been hit with criticism over jokes he made last week about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her daughter(s).

While Letterman has admitted that his comments were in poor taste, but were just jokes nonetheless, the former V.P. candidate has not backed off.

Neither have some of her supporters. A grass-roots campaign organized to get the late-night stalwart canned, FireDavidLetterman.com, is holding a rally outside Letterman's show at the Ed Sullivan theater tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Republican N.Y. State Assemblyman Brian Kolb, along with an attorney and radio host John Ziegler, the site also provides CBS contacts to whom people can complain about what many felt was a tasteless, potentially harmful quip.

"Firing Mr. Letterman would send a clear message that CBS will not tolerate any of its employees even an established media figure like Mr. Letterman making demeaning, degrading comments about women," Kolb wrote to CBS chief Les Moonves.

An accompanying Facebook group has about 1,800 members.

The campaign's supporters point to Don Imus and Howard Stern as examples of popular hosts who crossed the line - and were held accountable by employers.

According to TV Guide, Embassy Suites has pulled advertising on CBS because of complaints. The company was not an advertiser on The Late Show specifically.

Letterman made the offending joke on Tuesday's show, following a visit to New York by Sarah Palin during which she attended a Yankee game with Rudy Giuliani.

"One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game," Letterman said, "during the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez."

In addressing the controversy, Letterman says the outcry was due at least in part to a misunderstanding, as he intended the joke to be about Bristol Palin, 18.

Bristol Palin was very much knocked up by beau Levi Johnston last year, while in minor in fact. However, the Palin daughter at the ball game was Willow, 14.

The loudest response came from Sarah Palin herself.

She told Matt Lauer she didn't buy Dave's "convenient excuse," and said she would never let her daughter near him - implying he can't be trusted around girls.

Letterman clarified that he "would never made jokes about someone having sex with a 14-year-old girl," which Palin, who some believe is resorting to shameless attention-grabbing words and implications, and continues to accuse him of.